200813795 九、發明說明： 【發明所屬之技術領域】 、本發明係關於一般用於輸入資料或命令到電子裝置 者介面之領域。尤其是，本發明係關於基於組態 “ ^、置外设之一個或多個虛擬按鍵上的偵測敲擊，以 ，入貧料或命令到電子驢之方法U與電腦程式產 σσ °200813795 IX. Description of the Invention: [Technical Field to Which the Invention pertains] The present invention relates to the field generally used for inputting data or commands to an electronic device interface. In particular, the present invention relates to a method based on a configuration "^, detecting a tap on one or more virtual keys of a peripheral, a method of entering a poor material or commanding an electronic device, and a computer program σσ °
【先前技術】 一 ^才置例如電、系統、電腦周邊、個人資料助理、 仃’、話、個人影像/聲音裝置（例如·· =目機、影细f (例如：電視、收音機、二；^ ，錄影鱗）、安全裝置、與其他 =輸入資料與/或命令。最常使用的使用夂= 或按鍵（以下將統稱為，，按鍵”或，，輸 鍵允 許資料與命令可峨速且罐地進人職子t置ίί 姻被固 便其尋找與敲擊。 老人—要比較大的按鍵以方 ，載入並執付電子裝置_軟體程式， 此外 也需要 配合裝置的非可組態按鍵捤 ^ > 輸适是一個越來越麻煩 的問通因為越來越多的電子裝置可以載入並執行不同的 200813795 程式。結果，這些程式必須要利用由裝置之非可組態按鍵 提供輸入，這將使某些特定的功能難以使用。例如，特別 的軟體程式也許比裝置所能提供的非可組態按鍵需要更 多輸入。 目鈾解決這問題的辦法是使用觸碰面板D雖然這樣的 使用者界面可以動態組態輸入按鍵，但由於觸碰面板有限 的位置與尺寸也將限制個別按鍵的位置與尺寸。例如，個 人資料助理器的觸碰面板一般只佔了裝置整體表面積的 一小部分，因此可用來作為輸入按鍵的空間也將是元件所 有表面積中的一小部分。此外，如果增加觸碰面板裡的可 用空間來作為輸入的空間，將同步減少面板内用來作為輸 出顯示的空間，因為輸入按鍵與顯示輸出必須共用同一個 有限面積的觸碰面板。 綜上所述’需要—種顧麟轉按鍵以提升輸入資 • 料或命令到一個電子裝置的使用者介面。 、 【發明内容】 根據本發明讀佳實施例，—個電子裝置具有一機 殼，包住-個處理器與連接至處理器的記憶體。一個或多 個，偵測H ’根據在機殼外部表面的制者敲擊，提供 ^訊號…位置侧__敲擊峨，满在機殼外 。味面的個者敲擊的位置。根據本發日狀較佳實施例， 200813795 擊的位置根據裳在於不同位置的複數個加速度 iLi麵號，並透過三角測量術所計算而得。—匹_ 二=判斷的使用者敲擊位置與組態於—個或多個機 二外一口表_虛擬按鍵是否相符。根據本發明之較佳實施 二=虛 【實施方式】 根據本發明之健實細，—電子裝置包括一機殼， =住-處職與連接至處理騎記憶體…個或多個敲 ^貞測讀據在驗外部表面上的使用者敲擊，提供敲擊 訊號。一位置侧侧轉轉賴；，觸在機殼外部表 面使用者轉的位置。根據本發明之較佳實施例，使用^ 敲擊的位置由裝置在不同位置的複數個加速度計得到的 敲擊訊號與三角測量術所躺。一匹配機制比較判斷的使 用t敲擊位置’與組態―個或糾目設置在機殼外部表面虛 擬按鍵是否相符。根據本發明之較佳實施例，一個或多個 虛擬按鍵的尺寸無置，可由使时與/或電 體程式動態組態。 # 現在參考圖1，顯示用來說明本發明之電子裝置100 之上視圖。如圖丨所顯示的，電子裝置100是一個人資料 助理器（PDA)。然而，由於本發明的目的，電子裝置1〇〇 可表示為需要使用者輸入資料與/或命令介面的任意形式 200813795 電子裝置’例如電齡統、電制邊、個人資料助理 褒置(例如播放器)、數位相機、 安人1，電視機、收音機、DVD播放機與錄影 機專）、女全7〇件、或相類似產品。 電子裝置1GG包含若干與外界溝通資訊的輸入與輸 ^。對於使用者介面，電子錢觸通常具有-個或多個 节見的使用者輪入110 (例如，按鍵板、觸控筆、鍵般、 滑鼠、軌跡球、搖桿、敲擊板、與/或麥克風、或是其^東 西）與-個或多個顯示器12〇(例如，LCD顯示面板、發 聲裝置、與/或CRT顯示H、或是其他東西）。f見的使^ 者輸入110與顯示器12〇通常結合在機殼102内，機殼102 係用以包覆住電子裝置麵的内部零件，例如處理器與記 憶體。 〃 在圖1顯示的PDA例子中，常見的使用者輸入11〇 包括-個手寫區域112、捲動紐114與快捷鍵116。然而， 圖^中顯示的常見的使用者輸入11〇僅是舉例。在本領域 中熟此技藝者當明瞭其他的常見的使用者輸入也可加進 使用或替換圖1中的常見的使用者輸人削。例如，常見 的使用者輸入110可附加、或包括一聲音辨識系統與一麥 克風，以提供語音命令的各種不同應用功能。同樣地，顯 示器120可附加或包括一聲音合成系統與、一揚聲器，以提 供聲音訊息的回應。常見的使用者輸入11〇與/或顯示器 200813795 120也可省略或包含在一觸碰面板的形式中。 除了上述所时論的常見的輸入與輸出，電子裝置100 包括根據本發明之較佳實施例的一個或多個虛擬按鍵（顯 示=圖1以虛線所畫並標示為參考數字130之處）動態地 組悲在機殼102上。或者，虛擬按鍵130可用於取代圖】 中的常見的使用者輸入110。如同將在以下詳細討論的， 根據本發明之較佳實施例，虛擬按鍵13〇動態組態於電子 裝置100的外殼1〇2的任何位置。而且，虛擬按鍵13〇的 尺寸與位置可由使用者與/或電子裝置100内軟體程式所 動態組態。 使用本發明較佳實施例以動態地組態虛擬按鍵在電 子裝置外殼任何地方，並任意調整尺寸的能力是非常必要 的。例如，虛擬按鍵可設計成配合老人的體能限制（可能 為體力或疋視力的限制等），藉由設置在適合的位置或較 大的尺寸達成。而且，軟體程式不再被固定的按鍵位置與 按鍵數量所關，且每錄體程式可決定自己的虛擬按 鍵，以配合軟體程式的獨特功能。 個別虛擬按鍵130的動作，是由使用者敲擊在機殼1〇2 外部表面上，由虛擬按馳態所定義的邊界朗完成。該 邊界是先前由使用者與/或電子|置卿内軟體程式所組 恶之虛擬按鍵的位置與尺寸所定義。 200813795 在機殼外部表面的使用者敲擊由一個或多個敲擊偵 測器（顯示於圖i虛線所晝並標示為參考數字14〇)所偵 測。當使用者敲擊在機殼102的外部表面（例如用使用者 的手指、觸控筆等）’一個或多個電子裝置1〇〇的零件（例 如機殼102)根據敲擊偵測器14〇偵測所得回應使用者的 敲擊。例如’敲擊偵測器140可感應機殼1〇2的震動、聲 波能量、磁場改變等形式的反應。由個別敲擊偵測器⑽ 所偵測到的反應，可能根據敲擊偵測器140距離使^者的 敲擊多遠而改變。 如圖1所顯示的，較佳地使用三個或更多個敲擊偵測 器140以提供敲擊訊號，作為三角測量機殼1〇2外部表面 上使用者敲擊的位置所在。然而，在此領域中熟此技藝者 當明瞭，任何數目的敲擊偵測器都能使用。例如，單一的 敲擊偵測器可用在虛擬按鍵被設定在一直線的情形。敲擊 • f測器140被裝置在適當位置，以使每一個都能根據在機 设102外部表面之使用者敲擊而提供一個敲擊訊號。例 如，敲擊偵測态140可個別附屬在、或内嵌在機殼之 大致平行於上表面(也就是包含顯示器12〇的機殼1〇2表面) 之平面上。相反地，也可能需要排列至少一個敲擊偵測器 140在離開遠離機殼102上表面，以便得到對機殼1〇2 ^ 體外部表面的更好的使用者敲擊制效果。例如，圖1中 最上面的敲擊偵測器140可裴置在顯示器12〇下方的電路 200813795 板0 一通常’建議把敲擊翻ϋ 14G排列成等邊三角形以方 便三角測量。在本發明另_個實施例中，單一 3合^敲擊 侧器可用來提供三個敲擊訊號於三角測量，用以三 個個別的敲擊偵測器。 如前面所提_，使用者的敲擊是由敲擊侧器140 所偵測。反應的形式可能為震動、聲波能量、磁場的改變 等。因此，適合用來當 所選的反應形式而改變。例如，加速度計適合用來偵測使 用者敲擊的震動形式回應、磁場感應器適合用來感應使用 者敲擊的磁場改變形式回應、且聲波感測器適合用來偵測 使用者敲擊的聲波能量形式回應。適合用來當作敲擊债測 器140的例子包括以下：熱加速度計（雙軸或三軸），例 如MESMIC MXC6202雙加速度計（MEMSIC公司產品， USA，North Andover, MA);微電子機械系統（MEMS)加 速度計（雙轴或三軸），例如Analog Device ADXL50加速 度計（Analog Deviicese 公司產品，Norwood，ΜΑ )、Hitachi H48C加速度計模組（Hitachi Metals America公司產品， Purchase，NY)、與 Kionix KXP84 系列（Kionix 公司產品， Ithaca，NY);磁場感應器，例如 Hitachi HM55B 2-AXIS MAGNETIC COMPASS SENSOR (Hitachi Metals America 公司產品，Purchase，NY);與聲波感測器，例如麥克風。 -12- 200813795 機殼102較佳地可用薄形固態的塑膠材料外殼，例如 射出成形ABS熱塑膠，用以回應使用者的敲擊。然而， 在此領域中熟此技藝者當明瞭其他任何材質(例如金屬）， 也可用來取代塑膠成為機殼102的材料，以回應使用者敲 擊。在使用包括磁場偵測器的敲擊偵測器14〇的例子中， 磁性材料可用來作為機殼1〇2的材質。磁性材料產生磁 場’而磁場偵測器在使用者敲擊機殼102時偵測到磁場的 響 改變。磁場偵測器所偵測到的磁場改變是由於機殼102部 分區域由於使用者的敲擊而輕微下陷。 圖2是圖1電子裝置1〇〇之一例示硬體與軟體環境方 塊圖。如圖2所顯示，一網路介面210可用來將電子裝置 100透過網路212連接到一個或多個電腦（例如，桌上型 或個人電腦為基礎的電腦、工作站、個人電腦為基礎的祠 服器、迷你電腦、中型電腦、與大型電腦等）。或者，電 • 子裝置100可以是一個獨立裝置。舉例來說，網路212可 以是區域網路（LAN)、廣域網路（WAN)、無線網路盘公 用網路（例如網際網路）。而且，任意數目的電腦與其他 衣置可透過網路212連接，例如多個伺服器。 電子裝置100通常包括至少一個連接至記憶體23〇之 處理220。處理器220可以是一個或多個處理器（例如 處理态），且兄憶體230可為包含電子裝置1〇〇的主要 -13- 200813795 儲存之隨機存取記憶體（Ram)裝置，與任何進階的記慎 體，例如快取記憶體、非揮發或備份記憶體（例如可程^ 2快閃記憶體）、唯讀記憶體等。此外，記憶體230可包 含位在電子裝置其他地方的實體記憶體(例如，在處理器 220中的任何快閃記憶體），與任何用來作 ; 的儲存容量，例如，選擇儲存在一大容量儲存裝 一透過網路212連接到電子裝置10〇的電腦。 馨 電子產品100通常包括一唯讀記憶體（ROM) 24〇連 接至處理器22〇。ROM 24〇可能為一個或多個非揮發可程 式ROMs，例如電性可擦拭可程式唯讀記^體 ㈤PROMs)、快閃謂、可擦拭可程式唯讀記憶 (EPROMs)等。 為了更多的儲存，電子裝置卿可選擇包含一個或多 個大容量贿裝置（未顯示於目巾），例如，軟碟或其他 • 可拆卸_碟鶴、硬碟、直接儲存裝置（DASD)、&學 驅動（例如，CD驅動或DVD驅動等）、與/或磁帶驅動或 電子裝置100通常包含一個1/〇埠25〇以便與主電腦 (圖中未顯示）互相溝通。電子裝置卿與主電腦透過一 條線及/或以無線方式溝通。例如，1/〇埠25〇可表示為串 列埠（例如，RS-232介面、收422介面、收42&面、 -14- 200813795 萬用串列匯流排（USB)埠、USB HotSync⑧埠等）、或是 平行埠、數據機埠或是無線埠(例如，紅外線埠或射頻(Rp) 埠等）。 可預期電子裝置1〇〇通常在處理器220和每個網路 212、記憶體230、ROM 240與I/O埠250間，包括有適當 的類比與/或數位介面。同樣地，如同一般所熟知的情形， 電子裝置100在處理器220和常用的輸入與輸出（也就是 手寫區域112、捲動鈕114、快捷鍵116、顯示器12〇)之 間也有適當的類比與/或數位介面，與敲擊偵測器14〇之 也是類似情形。 " 9 電子褒置100在作業系統231的控制下運作，並 =同=1軟體應用、零件、程式、目標與模組等（例如，[Prior Art] A device such as an electric, system, computer peripheral, personal data assistant, 仃', voice, personal video/sound device (eg, camera, video f (eg TV, radio, two; ^, video scales, security devices, and other = input data and / or commands. The most commonly used use 夂 = or button (hereinafter collectively referred to as, button) or, the key allows data and commands to idle and The cans enter the position of the person t set ίί marriage is to find and knock. The old man - to compare the large buttons to the side, load and pay the electronic device _ software program, in addition to the non-configurable device Buttons &^ > Loss is an increasingly cumbersome question because more and more electronic devices can load and execute different 200813795 programs. As a result, these programs must be provided by non-configurable buttons provided by the device. Input, which will make certain features difficult to use. For example, a special software program may require more input than a non-configurable button that the device can provide. The solution to this problem is to use the touch surface. D Although such a user interface can dynamically configure the input buttons, the limited position and size of the touch panel will also limit the position and size of the individual buttons. For example, the touch panel of the personal data assistant generally only occupies the entire device. A small portion of the surface area, so the space available as input keys will also be a small part of the surface area of the component. In addition, if you increase the available space in the touch panel as the input space, the synchronization will be used to reduce the panel. As the output display space, because the input button and the display output must share the same limited area touch panel. In summary, the 'required-type Gu Lin turn button to enhance the input of materials or commands to an electronic device user. Interface According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, an electronic device has a casing enclosing a processor and a memory connected to the processor. One or more, detecting H 'according to The maker's outer surface of the casing is tapped, providing a signal...position side __knocking 峨, full of outside the casing. According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the position of the 200813795 hit is calculated based on a plurality of acceleration iLi face numbers in different positions, and is calculated by triangulation. Whether the location of the hit is consistent with the configuration of one or more of the two external table_virtual keys. According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the virtual virtual device comprises a machine according to the present invention. Shell, = live-to-job and connect to handle riding memory... one or more knocks, and the user clicks on the external surface to provide a tapping signal. Touching the position of the user's outer surface on the outer surface of the casing. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the position of the tap is used by the tapping signals obtained by the plurality of accelerometers at different locations of the device and the triangulation. A matching mechanism compares the judgment using the t-tap position 'conformity' with the configuration or the correction key set on the outer surface of the chassis. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the size of one or more of the virtual keys is unconfigured and can be dynamically configured by the time and/or the electrical program. Referring now to Figure 1, a top view of an electronic device 100 for illustrating the present invention is shown. As shown in the figure, the electronic device 100 is a personal data assistant (PDA). However, for the purposes of the present invention, the electronic device 1 can be represented as any form of 200813795 electronic device that requires the user to enter data and/or command interfaces, such as an electronic age system, an electrical edge, and a personal data assistant device (eg, playback). (), digital camera, security 1, television, radio, DVD player and video recorder), female all 7 pieces, or similar products. The electronic device 1GG includes a plurality of inputs and outputs for communicating information with the outside world. For the user interface, the electronic money touch typically has one or more sections of user wheeling 110 (eg, a keypad, a stylus, a key, a mouse, a trackball, a rocker, a percussion panel, and / or a microphone, or its ^) with one or more displays 12 (for example, LCD display panel, sound device, and / or CRT display H, or other things). The operator input 110 and display 12 are typically incorporated within a housing 102 that is used to cover internal components of the electronics surface, such as a processor and memory. 〃 In the PDA example shown in FIG. 1, the common user input 11〇 includes a handwriting area 112, a scrolling button 114, and a shortcut key 116. However, the common user input 11 shown in Figure 2 is only an example. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other common user inputs can be added to or replace the common user input cuts of FIG. For example, a common user input 110 can be attached to, or include a voice recognition system and a microphone to provide a variety of different application functions for voice commands. Similarly, display 120 can be attached to or include a sound synthesis system and a speaker to provide a response to the voice message. Common user inputs and/or displays 200813795 120 may also be omitted or included in the form of a touch panel. In addition to the common inputs and outputs discussed above, the electronic device 100 includes one or more virtual buttons (display = Figure 1 drawn in dashed lines and labeled as reference numeral 130) in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The ground group is sad on the casing 102. Alternatively, virtual button 130 can be used in place of the usual user input 110 in the figure. As will be discussed in detail below, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the virtual button 13 is dynamically configured anywhere in the housing 1〇2 of the electronic device 100. Moreover, the size and position of the virtual button 13A can be dynamically configured by the user and/or the software program within the electronic device 100. It is essential to use the preferred embodiment of the present invention to dynamically configure the virtual keys anywhere in the electronic device housing and to arbitrarily adjust the size. For example, the virtual button can be designed to match the physical limitations of the elderly (which may be physical or parasitic limitations, etc.) by setting it at a suitable location or a larger size. Moreover, the software program is no longer fixed by the fixed button position and the number of buttons, and each recorded program can determine its own virtual button to match the unique function of the software program. The action of the individual virtual buttons 130 is performed by the user on the outer surface of the casing 1〇2, and is completed by the boundary defined by the virtual state. The boundary is defined by the location and size of the virtual button that was previously created by the user and/or the software program. 200813795 User tapping on the outer surface of the enclosure is detected by one or more tap detectors (shown in dotted line in Figure i and labeled as reference number 14〇). When the user taps on the outer surface of the casing 102 (eg, with a user's finger, stylus, etc.), one or more parts of the electronic device 1 (eg, the casing 102) are in accordance with the tap detector 14 〇 The response is detected in response to the user's tap. For example, the tap detector 140 can sense the response of the vibration of the casing 1 〇 2, the energy of the acoustic wave, the change of the magnetic field, and the like. The response detected by the individual tap detectors (10) may vary depending on how far the tap detector 140 is to strike the person. As shown in Fig. 1, three or more tap detectors 140 are preferably used to provide a tapping signal as a location where the user taps on the outer surface of the triangulation housing 1〇2. However, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that any number of tap detectors can be used. For example, a single tap detector can be used where virtual buttons are set in a straight line. The taps f detector 140 are placed in position so that each can provide a tap signal based on a user tapping on the outer surface of the device 102. For example, the tap detection state 140 can be individually attached to, or embedded in, a plane substantially parallel to the upper surface of the housing (i.e., the surface of the housing 1〇2 containing the display 12〇). Conversely, it may also be desirable to arrange at least one tap detector 140 away from the upper surface of the housing 102 to achieve a better user tapping effect on the outer surface of the housing. For example, the uppermost tap detector 140 of Fig. 1 can be placed under the display 12〇. Circuitry 200813795 Board 0 Typically, it is recommended to arrange the flip flops 14G into equilateral triangles to facilitate triangulation. In another embodiment of the invention, a single 3-in-one tap side can be used to provide three tapping signals for triangulation for three individual tap detectors. As mentioned above, the user's tap is detected by the tap side 140. The form of the reaction may be vibration, sonic energy, changes in the magnetic field, and the like. Therefore, it is suitable to be changed when the reaction form is selected. For example, the accelerometer is suitable for detecting a vibration form response of a user tapping, a magnetic field sensor is adapted to sense a magnetic field change form response of a user tapping, and the acoustic wave sensor is suitable for detecting a user tapping. The sonic energy form responds. Examples suitable for use as the tap detector 140 include the following: thermal accelerometers (two-axis or three-axis), such as the MESMIC MXC6202 dual accelerometer (MEMSIC, USA, North Andover, MA); microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) accelerometers (two-axis or three-axis), such as the Analog Device ADXL50 accelerometer (Analog Deviicese, Norwood, ΜΑ), Hitachi H48C accelerometer module (Hitachi Metals America, Purchase, NY), and Kionix KXP84 series (Kionix products, Ithaca, NY); magnetic field sensors such as Hitachi HM55B 2-AXIS MAGNETIC COMPASS SENSOR (product of Hitachi Metals America, Purchase, NY); and acoustic sensors, such as microphones. -12- 200813795 The casing 102 is preferably made of a thin solid plastic material casing, such as injection molded ABS thermoplastic, in response to a user's tapping. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that any other material (e.g., metal) may be used in place of the plastic to become the material of the casing 102 in response to user knocking. In the example of using the tap detector 14A including the magnetic field detector, the magnetic material can be used as the material of the casing 1〇2. The magnetic material produces a magnetic field' and the magnetic field detector detects a change in the magnetic field as the user strikes the housing 102. The change in the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detector is due to a slight depression of the portion of the casing 102 due to the user's tapping. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an exemplary hardware and software environment of one of the electronic devices of FIG. 1. FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, a network interface 210 can be used to connect the electronic device 100 to one or more computers via a network 212 (eg, a desktop or PC based computer, workstation, PC based device). Servers, minicomputers, medium computers, large computers, etc.). Alternatively, the electrical device 100 can be a standalone device. For example, network 212 can be a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), or a wireless network disk public network (e.g., the Internet). Moreover, any number of computers and other clothing can be connected via network 212, such as multiple servers. Electronic device 100 typically includes at least one process 220 coupled to memory 23A. The processor 220 can be one or more processors (eg, processing states), and the siblings 230 can be a random access memory (Ram) device containing the main-13-200813795 storage of the electronic device, and any Advanced cautions, such as cache memory, non-volatile or backup memory (such as programmable flash memory), read-only memory, and so on. In addition, the memory 230 can include physical memory located elsewhere in the electronic device (eg, any flash memory in the processor 220), with any storage capacity used for; for example, selection stored in a large The capacity storage device is connected to the computer of the electronic device 10 through the network 212. The electronic product 100 typically includes a read only memory (ROM) 24A coupled to the processor 22A. The ROM 24 may be one or more non-volatile programmable ROMs, such as an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (5) PROMs), a flash term, a wipeable programmable read only memory (EPROMs), and the like. For more storage, the electronic device may choose to include one or more large-capacity bribes (not shown), such as floppy disks or other • detachable _ saucer, hard drive, direct storage (DASD) The & drive (e.g., CD drive or DVD drive, etc.), and/or tape drive or electronic device 100 typically includes a 1/〇埠25〇 to communicate with the host computer (not shown). The electronic device communicates with the host computer via a line and/or wirelessly. For example, 1/〇埠25〇 can be expressed as a serial port (for example, RS-232 interface, 422 interface, 42& face, -14-200813795 million serial bus (USB) port, USB HotSync8 port, etc. ), or parallel 埠, data 埠 or wireless 埠 (for example, infrared 射频 or radio frequency (Rp) 埠, etc.). It is contemplated that the electronic device 1A is typically between the processor 220 and each of the networks 212, memory 230, ROM 240, and I/O port 250, including appropriate analog and/or digital interfaces. Similarly, as is well known in the art, electronic device 100 also has an appropriate analogy between processor 220 and commonly used inputs and outputs (i.e., handwriting area 112, scroll button 114, shortcut keys 116, display 12). The / or digital interface is similar to the tap detector 14 . " 9 The electronic device 100 operates under the control of the operating system 231, and = the same software application, parts, programs, targets and modules, etc. (for example,
m_235或其絲式）。而且，不_勝零件、 與模組等也可在另—㈣腦m多個處理 jL’域路212連接至電子裝置⑽，例如，在 個刀放式或是主從式電腦環境， 在網路上多部電腦的電腦程式中。如同將在以力f位 :::置：也包括-位置姻機_= 卿糊崎铜—趣按鍵组ί 通常，作業系統23〗與各 種電腦軟體應用 零件、程 200813795 式、目標與模組等（例如’應用程式232_235)從非揮發 記憶體(例如聰臟大讀键 = 憶㈣0。舉例制，最近驗行的電子裝置= 2動電話與相關的無線裝置、内嵌式控制器等，通常並沒 體大存裝置’因此作業系統231與不同的電腦軟 二_〇載入到一:二== 筆記本型電腦，通常具有大量裝ΐ Ξ =等2,31通與; ⑽職載入^H啟動時由大量健存装置舆/或 應二=較 株、妒丨忉疋項早獨的應用、零 電腦票、模組或指令序列等，將在以下稱之為” 或_為”程式"。電腦程式通常包 裝置二Γ : ’多次駐在多個記憶體與電腦中的健存 腦内—個或多個處理11讀取與執行該電 H使電腦依序進行執行本發明實_不同方面 能性二且’雖然本發明在此處與之後將以全功 蓺者料行描述’但是在此領域熟此技 式產:=㈣不㈣實施例可分散為不同形式的程 以應ΐ至夂ΪΓ月不限制需要用特定形式的訊號運送媒介 心至σ 7貝域。職運送媒介的例子包括但不限於可儲 -16-M_235 or its silk). Moreover, the non-winning parts, the modules, and the like may also be connected to the electronic device (10) in another (4) brain m multiple processing jL' domain 212, for example, in a knife-mounted or master-slave computer environment, on the network In the computer program of multiple computers on the road. As will be in the force f::: set: also include - position marriage machine _= qingzaki copper - interesting button group ί usually, operating system 23 and various computer software application parts, program 200813795, target and module Etc. (eg 'application 232_235') from non-volatile memory (eg Sonic dirty read key = Recall (4) 0. Example system, recently tested electronic device = 2 mobile phones and related wireless devices, embedded controllers, etc. Usually there is no bulk storage device' so the operating system 231 is loaded with a different computer _ 〇 到 into one: two == notebook computer, usually with a large number of installations Ξ = wait 2, 31 pass and; ^H starts up with a large number of storage devices, or should be two = more plants, early applications, zero computer tickets, modules or instruction sequences, etc., will be referred to as "or _" The program " computer program usually includes two devices: 'multiple resident in multiple memory and computer in the brain - one or more processes 11 read and execute the H to make the computer execute the invention in order _ different aspects of energy and two 'although the invention will be used here and after Line Description 'But this technique is familiar in this field: = (4) No (4) The embodiment can be decentralized into different forms of the process so that it does not limit the need to use a specific form of signal to transport the media center to the σ 7 Bay domain. Examples of shipping media include, but are not limited to, storage - 16-
200813795200813795
’咖揮發性或轉發性記憶體裝置、軟磾 移動的磁碟、硬磁碟驅動機、光碟(S 例如n2DVD等）或其他相_者，與傳輸形式媒介， 例如數位與類比通訊連接。 位置偵測機制233儲存在記憶體23()並由處理哭細 =，用來計算在機殼外部表面的使用者敲擊的位置'根 佳ΓΓ位置侧機制233依雜^ 、“/ 而來的敲擊訊號，並透過三角測量計算在 殼102外部表面的使用者敲擊位置。使用三角測量以計算 位置之技巧已為熟知技藝，目此在此僅作簡略討論。 三，角測量技巧-般使用在至少已知一距離，再測量夹 角以=算目標的位置。例如，如同在航海領域所熟知，三 角測篁可絲得知岸邊與船隻間的距離。由船隻與岸上的 已知二點形成-個三角形。—個觀察者在參考點一測量船 隻與參考點二之間的夾角。—個觀察者在參考點二測量船 隻與參考點一之間的夾角。如果兩個參考點間的距離為已 知，則可以用正弦定律決定船隻與岸邊的距離。因此了如 果電子裝置100之一對敲擊偵測器140提供角度測量作為 敲擊訊號，則利用此測量之角度與已知二偵測器間的距 離，配合餘弦定律將可計算使用者敲擊的位置。如果有至 少另一對敲擊偵測器，則可用來降低計算使用者敲擊位置 的誤差（也就是說，三個敲擊偵測器提供三對敲擊偵測 -17- 200813795 對）〇 用-1Γ形式的三角測量術（或稱之為，，三邊形法，，），使 置的參考點，並量測目標與每—參考點的距 量測距ϋ果電子裝置繼的三個敲擊偵測器140提供 測距離與^___⑽位虞此置A café volatile or transmissive memory device, a soft disk, a disk drive, a hard disk drive, a compact disc (such as an n2 DVD, etc.) or other phase, is connected to a transport medium, such as a digital and analog communication. The position detecting mechanism 233 is stored in the memory 23 () and is processed by the crying =, which is used to calculate the position of the user's tapping on the outer surface of the casing, and the root position side mechanism 233 is compliant with the "/" The tapping signal and the user's tapping position on the outer surface of the shell 102 are calculated by triangulation. The technique of using triangulation to calculate the position is well known in the art, and is only briefly discussed herein. Generally used at least a distance is known, and then the angle is measured to calculate the position of the target. For example, as is well known in the nautical field, the triangulation can know the distance between the shore and the vessel. Knowing two points forms a triangle. An observer measures the angle between the vessel and the reference point two at reference point 1. An observer measures the angle between the vessel and the reference point one at reference point 2. If two references The distance between the points is known, and the distance between the ship and the shore can be determined by the sine law. Therefore, if one of the electronic devices 100 provides an angle measurement to the tap detector 140 as a tapping signal, the angle of the measurement is utilized. The distance from the known two detectors, combined with the cosine law, can calculate the position of the user's tap. If there is at least another pair of tap detectors, it can be used to reduce the error in calculating the user's tap position (also That is to say, the three tap detectors provide three pairs of tap detections -17-200813795 pairs) using the -1Γ form of triangulation (or called, trigonometry, ,) Reference point, and measuring the target and the reference distance of each reference point. The three tap detectors of the electronic device provide the distance and the ^___(10) position.
^本發明的另一個實施例中，位置偵測機制说可屬 =並由—個或多個敲擊140來執行。例如，如前面 =逑名-個三合-的敲擊_器可用來提供三個敲擊訊號 ;二角測量術’其用以取代三個單獨的敲擊偵測器。在這 =子:’該三合—敲擊侧器可自己擁有—組記憶體與微 處理器，以儲存並執行位置偵測機制233。 ^ 匹配機制234儲存於$憶體230使在處理器220執 ，，將使用者敲擊的判斷位置與—個或多個組態械殼外 部表面之虛擬按鍵互相匹配。根據本發明之較佳實施例， 匹配機制234匹配使用者敲擊之位置與虛擬按鍵，、該位置 由位置偵測機制233判斷，而虛擬按鍵由使用者與/或軟體 私式預先定義。因此，該匹配動作能較佳地適合特定的使 用者操作電子裝置100與目前執行於電子裝置1〇〇的特定 軟體程式。因此，任一使用者與/或軟體程式可組態不同的 虛擬按鍵，例如，給每一使用者與/或軟體程式不同數量、 -18- 200813795 位置與尺寸的虛擬按鍵。 虛擬按鍵組態機制235儲存在記憶體230並由處理p 220執行，提供一個或多個虛擬按鍵動態組態在機殼的外 部表面。根據本發明之較佳實施例，虛擬按鍵組態機制a% 根據使用者的輸入與/或載入在電子裝置1〇〇的軟體程 式，疋義一個或多個按鍵的位置與尺寸。為了滿足使用者 對虛擬按鍵動態組態的要求，機殼的外部表面最好包含一 個熱鍵。熱鍵可以是一個實際的按鍵，例如一個捲動鈕114 或快捷鍵116，或相對地，熱鍵可能為額外按鍵。不論哪 :個例子，虛擬按鍵組態機制235根據使用者壓下熱鍵的 時間長度，來定義每個虛擬按鍵的尺寸大小，且根據使用 者壓下熱鍵之後，機殼的外部表面何處被敲擊來定義每個 虛擬按鍵的位置。在本發明的另一個實施例中，使用者對 每個虛擬按鍵之尺寸與位置的輸入，可由顯示在顯示器 120上的使用者目錄所提供，且使用常見的使用者輸入， • 例如捲動鈕114與/或快捷鍵116做選擇。 根據本發明之較佳實施例，機殼的敲擊平面並不包含 如何排列虛擬按鍵的標示。相對地，虛擬按鍵的排列較佳 地係暫時顯示在顯示器丨2〇的至少一部份區域。例如，在 機殼的外部表面受到敲擊，或是系統發出需要設立一個新 的虛擬按鍵時，將需要暫時顯示虛擬按鍵的排列在顯示器 120的一部份區域。更進一步地，由位置偵測機制2幻戶^ -19- 200813795 口十异而％·的使用者敲擊位置也暫時顯示在顯示器12〇，伴 隨著虛擬按_排列’―併提供回饋給使用者。 ，3是根據本發明之一較佳實施例構成電視機3〇〇之 電子裝置的前視圖，電視機300包括虛擬按鍵330與敲擊 ^測器34〇°圖3中的虛擬按鍵330與敲擊制器340可 分別對應於® 1的虛擬按鍵130與敲擊制器140。如同 =般的情形，電視機3〇〇包含一顯示器32〇。較佳地是， ^視機獅的使用者控制輸入完全看不到。機殼302的外 邛表面包含至少一較低敲擊表面3〇3作為常見的使用者輸 入、。虛擬按鍵330在美觀上勝於常見的使用者輸入按鍵， 因為虛擬按鍵完全看不到。虛擬按鍵33〇在敲擊表面 ^ 排列較佳地暫時顯示在顯示器細的至少一部份區域 (標不為參考數字322)。例如，當機殼302的外部表面受 到敲擊，或系統收到增加一個新虛擬按鍵的需求時，將需 要，時顯示虛擬按鍵330的排列。甚至，由位置偵測機: 計算所得之使用者的敲擊位置也暫時顯示在顯示器32〇 , 併同虛擬按鍵330的排列，一起提供回饋給使用者。與虛 擬按鍵330尺寸與/或位置相關的使用者輸入，可透過顯= 在顯示器320的使用目錄條列供選擇，例如，以無線省= 使用常見的使用者輸入。 根據本發明較佳實施例之虛擬按鍵，另一好處在提供 一個介於敲擊表面之機殼外側與機殼内侧的非中斷障 -20- 200813795 礙。這個特性在許多應用是非常需要的。例如虛擬按鍵可 用在水下電子裝置的機殼，在水下常見的使用者的輸入按 鍵將會讓水滲入該裝置内。虛擬按鍵也可以避免灰塵與其 他會堵塞常見的使用者輸入按鍵之物。 根據本發明之較佳實施例之虛擬按鍵也可應用到安 全裝置’例如汽車點火開關；汽車、家庭與辦公室門鎖； 腳踏車鎖；及工具箱鎖等。安全裝置可組態幾個虛擬按 鍵’且必須依序敲擊或同時敲擊之後才能開啟安全裝置。 因為虛擬按鍵的好處在看不見，因此對局外人來說不容易 打開裝置。同樣地，根據本發明較佳實施例的虛擬按鍵也 可應用到對電腦、PDA、手機、或其他電子裝置的控制。 圖4描述一個根據本發明之較佳實施例之位置偵測機 制400之動作的流程圖。描述在圖4的位置偵測機制4〇〇 相當於圖2的位置偵測機制233。當敲擊偵測器偵測到在 電子裝置之機殼之外部表面之使用者敲擊(步驟4〇2)，則 啟動位置偵測機制400。根據使用者之敲擊，每個敲擊偵 測裔提供一個敲擊訊號。接著，位置偵測機制4〇〇由敲擊 訊號透過三角測量術判斷使用者敲擊的位置(步驟4〇4)。 例如，在一個例子中，三個敲擊偵測器各提供一個測量距 離作為敲擊訊號，位置偵測機制4〇〇在步驟404中根據測 1距離與已知的三個敲擊偵測器位置計算使用者敲擊的 位置。 -21 - 200813795 根據本發明之較佳實施例，位置偵測機制400透過三 角測量術判斷使用者的敲擊位置。雖然使用三角測量術是 較佳選擇，在此領域中熟此技藝者將能使用三角測量術以 外之其他技巧計异判斷使用者之敲擊位置。例如，在一個 例子中，虛擬按鍵被排列成一直線，位置偵測機制可以只 用單一敲擊偵測器所得到敲擊訊號之函數，來判斷使用者 敲擊在該條線上的位置，例如，麥克風所量到聲波能量的 振幅隨著使用者敲擊位置離開麥克風越遠而衰減越多。因 此，在此領域熟此技藝者將能明瞭本發明之精神與範圍， 並不限制在使用三角測量術技巧來判斷使用者之敲擊位 置。 之動根據本發明之較佳實施例之匹配機制500 2 ®5所描财⑽侧所對應為圖In another embodiment of the invention, the location detection mechanism is said to be = and executed by one or more taps 140. For example, a taper of the previous =逑-three-in-one can be used to provide three tapping signals; a diangulation is used to replace three separate tapping detectors. In this = sub: 'The triad - tap side can own the set of memory and microprocessor to store and execute the position detection mechanism 233. The matching mechanism 234 is stored in the $memory 230 to be executed by the processor 220 to match the determined position of the user's tap with the virtual keys of the outer surface of the one or more configuration shells. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the matching mechanism 234 matches the location of the user tap and the virtual button, the location being determined by the location detection mechanism 233, and the virtual button is pre-defined by the user and/or the software. Therefore, the matching action can be preferably adapted to the particular user operating the electronic device 100 and the particular software program currently executing on the electronic device. Therefore, any user and/or software program can configure different virtual keys, for example, a virtual number of different numbers, -18-200813795 positions and sizes for each user and/or software program. The virtual button configuration mechanism 235 is stored in the memory 230 and executed by the process p 220, providing one or more virtual keys to be dynamically configured on the outer surface of the chassis. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the virtual button configuration mechanism a% disambiguates the position and size of one or more buttons based on user input and/or software loading in the electronic device. In order to meet the user's requirements for the dynamic configuration of the virtual keys, the outer surface of the housing preferably contains a hotkey. The hotkey can be an actual button, such as a scroll button 114 or a shortcut button 116, or, relatively, the hot button can be an additional button. Regardless of the example: the virtual button configuration mechanism 235 defines the size of each virtual button according to the length of time the user depresses the hotkey, and where the outer surface of the casing is after the user presses the hotkey. Taped to define the location of each virtual button. In another embodiment of the invention, the user's input of the size and position of each virtual button may be provided by a user directory displayed on display 120, using common user input, such as a scroll button. 114 and / or shortcut keys 116 to make a selection. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tapping plane of the housing does not include an indication of how the virtual keys are arranged. In contrast, the arrangement of the virtual keys is preferably temporarily displayed in at least a portion of the area of the display unit. For example, when the outer surface of the casing is struck, or when the system needs to set up a new virtual button, it will be necessary to temporarily display the virtual buttons arranged in a portion of the display 120. Further, the location of the user's tapping by the location detection mechanism 2 is also temporarily displayed on the display 12〇, along with the virtual _arrangement ― and provides feedback to the use. By. 3 is a front view of an electronic device constituting a television set according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The television set 300 includes a virtual button 330 and a tap button 34. The virtual button 330 in FIG. The trigger 340 can correspond to the virtual button 130 of the ® 1 and the tap maker 140, respectively. As in the case of =, the TV set 3 contains a display 32 〇. Preferably, the user control input of the lion is completely invisible. The outer surface of the casing 302 contains at least one lower striking surface 3〇3 as a common user input. The virtual button 330 is aesthetically superior to the usual user input button because the virtual button is completely invisible. The virtual button 33 is preferably displayed temporarily on at least a portion of the area of the display (not referenced to numeral 322). For example, when the outer surface of the casing 302 is struck, or the system receives a need to add a new virtual button, it will be necessary to display the arrangement of the virtual buttons 330. Even by the position detecting machine: the calculated tap position of the user is temporarily displayed on the display 32, and together with the arrangement of the virtual button 330, provides feedback to the user. The user input associated with the size and/or position of the virtual button 330 can be selected via the display directory of the display 320, for example, by wireless = using common user input. Another benefit of the virtual button in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention is to provide a non-interrupting barrier between the outside of the casing of the striking surface and the inside of the casing. This feature is highly desirable in many applications. For example, a virtual button can be used in the casing of an underwater electronic device, and a user's input button that is common under water will allow water to seep into the device. Virtual buttons also prevent dust and other things that can block common user input buttons. The virtual keys in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention are also applicable to security devices such as car ignition switches; automobiles, home and office door locks; bicycle locks; and toolbox locks and the like. The safety device can be configured with several virtual buttons' and must be tapped or tapped at the same time to open the safety device. Because the benefits of virtual buttons are invisible, it is not easy for outsiders to open the device. Similarly, virtual keys in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention can also be applied to control of a computer, PDA, cell phone, or other electronic device. Figure 4 depicts a flow diagram of the operation of a position detection mechanism 400 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The position detection mechanism 4 描述 described in FIG. 4 is equivalent to the position detection mechanism 233 of FIG. When the tap detector detects a user tap on the outer surface of the casing of the electronic device (step 4〇2), the position detecting mechanism 400 is activated. Each tap detector provides a tap signal based on the user's tap. Then, the position detecting mechanism 4 determines the position of the user's tapping by the tapping signal through the triangulation (step 4〇4). For example, in one example, each of the three tap detectors provides a measurement distance as a tap signal, and the position detection mechanism 4 in step 404 is based on the measured distance and the known three tap detectors. The location calculates the location where the user taps. -21 - 200813795 In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, position detection mechanism 400 determines the user's tap position by triangulation. Although the use of triangulation is a preferred option, those skilled in the art will be able to determine the user's tap position using other techniques other than triangulation. For example, in one example, the virtual buttons are arranged in a straight line, and the position detection mechanism can determine the position of the user on the line by using only a single tapping function of the tapping signal detected by the detector, for example, The amplitude of the sonic energy measured by the microphone is attenuated as the user moves away from the microphone as the user taps. Therefore, those skilled in the art will be able to understand the spirit and scope of the present invention and are not limited to the use of triangulation techniques to determine the user's tap position. According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the matching mechanism 500 2 ® 5 corresponds to the map (10) side corresponding to the map
驟=細舰機魏伽下的步驟（步 應可理解的是些步驟排列為較佳順序。然而， 同的時間或是同時出===不同的例子中出現在不 :月瞭可省略-個或數個步驟。匹配藝者當 用是= 機制400之步驟402：；固果 圖4所顯示位置偵測 驟502=否）’則匹配機制鄕==== -22- 200813795 到使用者敲擊的回應（步驟驚是），匹配機制·提醒 f統（步驟504)。匹配機制5〇〇可以，例如，將電子裝置 ^待機模式喚醒與/或產生一敲擊表面與虛擬按鍵排列之 展示，並暫時顯示在電子裝置的顯示器。接著，匹配機制 500基於從敲擊彳貞測$而來的敲擊訊號並使用三角測量術 判if使用者的敲擊位置（步驟鄕）。這步驟相當於圖4所 顯不之位置偵測機制400之步驟404。一旦使用者的敲擊 位置已計算得知，匹配機制5〇〇可將使用者的敲擊加到暫 時顯示的敲擊表面與虛擬按鍵排狀展示。這裡提供回饋 給使用者_他/她的敲擊有讀近—個虛擬按鍵。同樣 地，匹配機制500匹配在步驟5〇6計算所得的使用者敲擊 位置與任何虛擬按鍵（步驟5〇8)。這可由比較使用者的敲 擊位置與每個虛擬按鍵的位置與尺寸定義得到的邊界完 成L虛擬按鍵的位置與尺寸是先前由使用者與/或軟體程式 組態在電子裝置内。匹配機制500接著判斷是否匹配完成 (步驟510)。如果步驟510的匹配完成，對應到所匹配的 虛擬按鍵輸入值便被送到系統（步驟512)。匹配機制5〇〇 接著回到開始。相對地，如果在步驟51〇的匹配沒有完成， 匹配機制500也回到開始。 圖6是根據本發明之較佳實施例之虛擬按鍵組態機制 600的活動之流程圖。圖6所描述的虛擬按鍵組態機制6〇〇 所對應為圖2的虛擬按鍵組態機制235。要執行虛擬按鍵 組態機制600，則以下的步驟（步驟6〇2-618)將執行。這 -23 - 200813795 f驟排列級_序。細，應可理解的是 =能在不同的例Η出現在不同的時間或是同^ ::、1且♦在本領域熟此技藝者當明瞭-個或數個步驟可 ^略。虛擬按鍵組態機制㈣在系統收到建立一個新 =按，_始（步驟6G2)。這樣的需求可能發自別處， 例如’卜舰用者執行了敢的動作，例如按下敎鍵。 m這個需求也可能發自f子裝置中正在執行的軟體 私式。接者’提不使用者敲擊虛擬按鍵的位置（步驟6〇4)。 例如’可電子1置_示狀/或語音合絲統提示使 用者。此外，匹配機制可製造_個敲擊表面與現有虛 擬按鍵排列的暫時性顯示。為了回應提示，使用者敲擊電 子裝置機殼的外部表面。絲’轉制丨到使用者 在機殼外部表面的敲擊（步驟608)。這步驟相當於圖4位 置偵測機制4G0中的步驟402。接著，虛擬按鍵組態機制 600使用敲擊偵測器而來的敲擊訊號與三角測量術判斷使 用者敲擊位置（步驟610)。這步驟相當於圖4位置偵測機 制400中的步驟404。一旦計算得知使用者的敲擊位置， 匹配機制500可產生一個使用者的敲擊之暫時性展示，其 中有敲擊表面與所有現存的虛擬按鍵。這提供一個回饋給 使用者關於他/她的敲擊有多靠近現存的虛擬按鍵。Step = the steps of the fine ship machine Wei Jia (steps should be understood that the steps are arranged in a better order. However, the same time or simultaneous === different examples appear in the no: the month can be omitted - One or several steps. Matching artist when using = mechanism 400 step 402:; solid fruit Figure 4 shows position detection step 502 = no) 'matching mechanism 鄕 ==== -22- 200813795 to the user The response of the tap (step is stunned), the matching mechanism, the reminder system (step 504). The matching mechanism 5 can, for example, wake up the electronic device ^ standby mode and/or generate a display of the tap surface and the virtual key arrangement, and temporarily display the display on the electronic device. Next, the matching mechanism 500 is based on the tapping signal from the tapping of the guessing $ and using the triangulation to determine the tapping position of the if user (step 鄕). This step is equivalent to step 404 of the position detection mechanism 400 shown in FIG. Once the user's tap position has been calculated, the matching mechanism 5 can add the user's tap to the temporarily displayed tapping surface and the virtual button row display. Here, feedback is provided to the user _ his/her tap has a near-virtual button. Similarly, the matching mechanism 500 matches the user tap position calculated at step 5〇6 with any virtual keys (steps 5〇8). This can be done by comparing the user's tap position with the boundary defined by the position and size of each virtual button. The position and size of the L virtual button was previously configured by the user and/or software program in the electronic device. The matching mechanism 500 then determines if the match is complete (step 510). If the matching of step 510 is completed, the corresponding virtual key input value is sent to the system (step 512). Matching mechanism 5〇〇 Then go back to the beginning. In contrast, if the match at step 51 is not completed, the matching mechanism 500 also returns to the beginning. Figure 6 is a flow diagram of the activity of the virtual button configuration mechanism 600 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The virtual button configuration mechanism 6〇〇 depicted in FIG. 6 corresponds to the virtual button configuration mechanism 235 of FIG. To execute the virtual button configuration mechanism 600, the following steps (steps 6〇2-618) will be performed. This -23 - 200813795 f sequenced _ order. Fine, it should be understood that = can appear in different instances at different times or with the following :::, 1 and ♦ those skilled in the art will recognize that one or several steps can be omitted. The virtual button configuration mechanism (four) is received in the system to establish a new = press, _ start (step 6G2). Such a demand may be sent elsewhere, for example, the 'bubble player performs a dare action, such as pressing the 敎 button. The requirement for m may also be derived from the software private implementation being executed in the f-sub-device. The picker does not ask the user to tap the position of the virtual button (step 6〇4). For example, the 'electronic 1 set' or the voiced line system prompts the user. In addition, the matching mechanism can create a temporary display of the slap surface and the existing virtual button arrangement. In response to the prompt, the user taps on the outer surface of the electronics housing. The wire is rotated to the user's tap on the outer surface of the casing (step 608). This step is equivalent to step 402 in the position detection mechanism 4G0 of Fig. 4. Next, the virtual button configuration mechanism 600 uses the tapping signal and triangulation from the tap detector to determine the user tapping position (step 610). This step is equivalent to step 404 in the position detection mechanism 400 of FIG. Once the user knows the tap position, the matching mechanism 500 can generate a temporary display of the user's tap, with a tap surface and all existing virtual buttons. This provides a feedback to the user as to how close his/her tap is to the existing virtual button.
在另外一個例子中，在電子裝置中執行的軟體程式組 悲虛擬按鍵位置（取代使用者設定），可以取消步驟 604-610，改為由目前執行中的程式來組態虛擬按鍵的位 -24- 200813795In another example, the software program group executed in the electronic device has a virtual virtual button position (instead of the user setting), and steps 604-610 can be canceled, and the virtual button position 24 is configured by the currently executing program. - 200813795
一旦虛擬按鍵的位置已組態(不論是由使用者或是軟 體程式n又疋）’則：^示使用者以定義虛擬按鍵的尺寸步驟 612)。例如，使用者對於虛擬按鍵尺寸的輸入可用顯示器 顯不出選項，接著制翻可選湖常見的朗者輸入， 例如捲動紐與/或快捷鍵。在另一個實施例中，虛擬按鍵的 尺^可由細者第-次的敲擊所產生預贿鴻。使用者 接著了敲擊邊界的外圍以使虛擬按鍵變大，或敲擊邊界的 内圍以使虛擬按鍵變小。因此，這類的實施例將不需要常 見的使用者輸入或是熱鍵。相對地，虛擬按鍵組態機制_ 可由使用者壓下熱觸_長度，定義虛擬按鍵之尺寸。 在另外一個例子巾，由在電子裝置的執行中的軟 式組態虛擬按鍵尺寸(取代使用者設定），步驟612可以取 消改為由目前執行中的程式來轉虛擬按鍵的尺寸。 ”丨口佩ϋ间董疊 剔）。如財重疊，舰时將有—個齡麵 擬按鍵或減疊的兩健擬魏之位置與/或尺寸’虛 L 與任何，經存在的虛擬按鍵所佔據之空間重疊（步驟 良新虛 縣記紐 虛擬按_位·財稍正在電子υ執行^ -25- 200813795 體程式儲存在非揮發性記憶體中。此外，虛擬按鍵組態機 制600產生一敲擊表面與虛擬按鍵新排列的展示，以暫時 顯示在電子裝置的顯示器上（步驟618)。 在另一個實施例中，應用軟體程式(或作業系統)可定 義一虛擬按鍵，藉由提示使用者以定義虛擬按鍵的尺寸與 /或位置’或提供一預設方法而自動定義虛擬按鍵之尺寸與 /或位置，以配合現有虛擬/非虛擬按鍵。 在本領域熟此技藝者當明瞭在本發明範圍内具有許 多變化之可能。例如，在較佳實施例中共有三個敲擊偵測 為。然而，在本領域熟此技藝者當明瞭可以使用任意數目 之敲擊偵測器。而且，在較佳實施例中，使用三角測量術 算使用者的敲擊位置。然而，在本領域熟此技藝者當明暸 亦可以使用三角測量術以外的其他方法計算使用者的敲 擊位置。因此，當本發明以較佳實施例詳細描述之後，在 本領域熟此技藝者當明瞭這些與其他在形式或細節的改 變並不超出本發明之精神與範圍。 【圖式簡單說明】 本發明之較佳實施例將參照伴隨的圖式進一步解 說’其中類似的符號代表類似的元件。 圖1是根據本發明之較佳實施例構成pda之電子裝 置之上視圖，其具有虛擬按鍵與敲擊偵測器。 -26- 200813795 圖2是圖1所示之電子裝置之例示硬體與軟體環境之 方塊圖。 圖3是根據本發明之較佳實施例構成電視之電子裝置 之前視圖，其具有虛擬按鍵與敲擊偵測器。 ^ 圖4是描述根據本發明之較佳實施例之位置偵測機制 活動之流程圖。 圖5是描述根據本發明之較佳實施例之匹配機制活動 之流程圖。 圖6是描述根據本發明之較佳實施例之虛擬按鍵組態 機制活動之流程圖。 【主要元件符號說明】 100電子裝置 102機殼 112手寫區域 114捲動鈕 Π6快捷鍵 120顯示器 130虛擬按鍵 140敲擊偵測器 210網路介面 212網路 230記憶體 231作業系統 232應用程式 233位置偵測機制 234匹配機制 235虛擬按鍵組態機制 240唯讀記憶體 250輸入/輸出埠 -27-Once the position of the virtual button has been configured (whether by the user or the software program n), then the user is shown to define the size of the virtual button (step 612). For example, the user's input to the virtual button size can be displayed with the option of the display, and then the common input of the common lake, such as scrolling buttons and/or shortcut keys, can be turned over. In another embodiment, the size of the virtual button can be pre-bribe generated by the first hit of the thinner. The user then taps the periphery of the border to make the virtual button larger, or taps the inner circumference of the border to make the virtual button smaller. Thus, embodiments of this type would not require common user input or hotkeys. In contrast, the virtual button configuration mechanism _ can be pressed by the user to determine the size of the virtual button. In another example, the virtual button size (instead of user setting) is softly configured in the execution of the electronic device, and step 612 can be cancelled to change the size of the virtual button from the currently executing program. "丨口佩ϋ间董叠切). If the financial overlap, the ship will have - the age of the surface of the button or the stack of the two Jian Wei Wei position and / or size 'virtual L and any, the existing virtual button The occupied space overlaps (steps are good, the new county counts the virtual virtual _ bit, the financial is executed electronically ^ -25- 200813795 The program is stored in the non-volatile memory. In addition, the virtual key configuration mechanism 600 generates a A new display of the surface and the virtual button is tapped to be temporarily displayed on the display of the electronic device (step 618). In another embodiment, the application software program (or operating system) can define a virtual button for prompting use. The size and/or position of the virtual button is automatically defined by defining a size and/or position of the virtual button or providing a preset method to match the existing virtual/non-virtual button. Those skilled in the art will be aware of this. There are many variations within the scope of the invention. For example, in the preferred embodiment there are three tap detections. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that any number of tap detectors can be used. Moreover, in the preferred embodiment, triangulation is used to calculate the user's tap position. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other methods other than triangulation can be used to calculate the user's tap position. Therefore, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by the spirit and scope of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals represent like elements. FIG. 1 is a top view of an electronic device constituting a pda having virtual keys and knocking in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary hardware and software environment of the electronic device shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a front elevational view of an electronic device constituting a television in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. There is a virtual button and a tap detector. ^ Figure 4 is a flow chart depicting the activity of the position detection mechanism in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Flowchart of the matching mechanism activity of the preferred embodiment of the invention. Figure 6 is a flow chart depicting the activity of the virtual key configuration mechanism in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Description of the main components] 100 electronic device 102 housing 112 Handwriting area 114 scroll button 6 shortcut key 120 display 130 virtual button 140 tap detector 210 network interface 212 network 230 memory 231 operating system 232 application 233 position detection mechanism 234 matching mechanism 235 virtual button configuration mechanism 240 read only memory 250 input / output 埠 -27-